Noodleheads take it easy

Reading about Noodleheads is easy as pie. The Noodleheads are back for another series of logically illogical tales rooted in international folklore. In this seventh outing of the series, protagonists Mac and Mac, anthropomorphic pieces of macaroni pasta, are trying to take it easy on a nice summer day, but their naïveté and cheery ability to take things literally (if not logically) eventually lead them into town, where they need to purchase ingredients for pies that their mother wants to make. Along the way, they consider idioms related to the word easy ("easy as pie," "easy as falling off a log"), eventually returning with the ingredients--and eager for pie. Although the pies eventually get made, some pie-related tomfoolery ensues as their friend Meatball helps them pass the time as the desserts cool, but everything works out for the best. Young readers unfamiliar with the titular characters' previous exploits will have no problem understanding the zany humor, and mature readers will love the backmatter, which traces the history of each story's inspirations. Arnold's bold artwork, depicting characters with bulging eyes and oversize bodies on tiny legs, remains a classic vehicle for capturing the wackiness of the tales, and fans of this pair's adventures will welcome this latest addition with giggles galore. Savvy educators and caregivers will use this as an introduction to discuss idioms and the importance of not being a noodlehead in real life! (This book was reviewed digitally.) Sweet as pie! (Graphic early reader. 6-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.